Sonics Update

  • Thursday, November 1, 2001 9:00pm
  • Sports

Opponent: Utah Jazz

When: 6 p.m. Saturday

Where: KeyArena, Seattle

TV: KONG (Ch. 6/16)

Radio: KJR (950 AM)

Festivities: There were extended pregame ceremonies before Thursday’s opener, beginning with introductions of the entire rosters of both teams. The biggest cheers, as expected, were given to Gary Payton. When last season ended, there was no guarantee that Payton would return, and the fans gave a hearty welcome to the team’s longtime star.

With members of the Puget Sound Urban Rescue Task Force (who participated in rescue efforts in New York after the Sept. 11 attacks) lining the court, a taped message from President Bush was shown on the arena’s video screen. Singer Pat Wright then performed “God Bless America” and “The Star Spangled Banner” as players and coaches from both teams unfurled streamers representing the American flag on the court.

Seattle guard Brent Barry then welcomed the crowd and recited a light-hearted poem which, in his words, “is appropriately titled ‘Opening Night Poem.’ “

After the two teams exchanged handshakes at midcourt, several Sonics from years past were introduced. The group included Dean Tolson, Talvin Skinner, Russ Schoene, James Donaldson, John Johnson, Slick Watts, Jack Sikma and longtime Sonics broadcaster Bob Blackburn.

Dandy dunk: Desmond Mason put a few frames on his 2001-02 highlight film with a sensational dunk midway through the second period. Mason beat San Antonio’s Steve Smith along the left baseline, then soared for a head-high-to-the-rim jam, drawing a foul from Spurs center David Robinson.

Learning new habits: Seattle’s Vin Baker lost 15 pounds during the offseason, mostly through tedious individual workouts. His new slimmer physique, though, has produced a new set of problems.

“I have to get rid of old fat habits,” Baker confessed.

Such as?

“I have to get rid of the habit of rushing out on the court,” said Baker, citing a tendency that caused him to miss repeated layins the last few years. “I’ve got to concentrate on finishing. I’m getting to the lane (quickly) and now no one is there, but I’m thinking that someone is going to block my shot. It’s going to be a timing thing for me and just getting my confidence going.”

Said teammate Gary Payton: “We’re going to see (the old Vin) this season. I think he’s going to have a great year. He’s got his weight down, he’s feeling good about himself. He’s going to get back to where he needs to be.”

Big on Booth: Though the season is still young, the Sonics have apparently improved their play at center by signing Calvin Booth as an offseason free agent. Booth, though lacking experience as a third-year-player, has displayed a quickness and agility that were missing a year ago during Patrick Ewing’s one season with the Sonics.

“Calvin is a terrific young center,” Baker said. “He knows the game well and he has a great outside shot and he’s a great defender, and he’s willing to learn. He’s been a breath of fresh air on the front line to play with.”

Short shots: Elise Woodward, a Mill Creek resident, will be doing a sideline report during Sonics home telecasts this season. Woodward is a reporter for Fox Sports Net Northwest and did color commentary for radio/television broadcasts of Seattle Storm games this past WNBA season. … Seattle Mariners reliever Jeff Nelson, a big basketball fan, watched the game from a seat near courtside.

Rich Myhre

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Tips Week in Review: Everett splits at Prince George, beats Victoria

Eric Jamieson’s hat trick against Victoria highlights Presidents’ Day Weekend

Marysville Pilchuck’s Michael Smathers Jr. takes the ball up the court during a Feb. 7, 2025 home league game against Monroe. (Courtesy of Spencer Janzen)
Marysville Pilchuck’s Michael Smathers Jr. stars in freshman season

The guard averaged 19 points per game for the Tomahawks this season.

Everett qualifies 13 girls for Mat Classic

Mia Cianega wins at 190 as Seagulls place third at district wrestling tournament.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 9-15

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 9-15. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Arlington’s Leyton Martin puts three fingers in the air after making a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Saturday, Feb. 15

Leyton Martin’s triple-double leads Arlington to district win

Freshman leads Jackson to 4A district swim title

Syunta Lee sets two meet records as Timberwolves edge Lake Stevens.

Shorecrest wins 3A district swim title

Snohomish’s Torsten Hokanson sets two meet records and leads two winning relays.

Marysville Pilchuck claims 2A district wrestling title

Tomahawks win three individual championship bouts.

Shorecrest’s Cassie Chesnut leaps in the air to block a shot by Shorewood’s Bridget Cox during the 3A district playoff game on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shorecrest girls win rubber match against Shorewood

Cassie Chesnut’s 28 points, 18 rebounds pushes the Scots to District 1 3A semifinals with 53-38 win.

Monroe's Halle Keller drives past Meadowdale's Payton Fleishman during a Feb. 14, 2025 3A District 1 playoff game at Meadowdale High School. (Qasim Ali / The Herald)
Last-second layup powers Monroe past Mavs

The Bearcats staged a 50-49 road upset in a district playoff clash.

Snohomish’s Kendall Hammer yells in celebration with teammate Snohomish’s Sienna Capelli after she makes a shot and is fouled during the game on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 14

Snohomish, Stanwood girls cruise into district semis.

Gonzaga sets school record with 33 assists in blowout

The first half started with Khalif Battle hitting consecutive 3-pointers… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.